Former senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV warned individuals accusing him of allegedly receiving “maleta” that he will continue filing cyberlibel complaints every time the allegations are repeated online.
The warning came after Trillanes filed another cyberlibel complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against 18 individuals he referred to as “maleta boys,” as well as Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Senator Rodante Marcoleta.
According to Trillanes, each instance in which the allegedly false accusation is repeated constitutes a separate potential count of cyberlibel under the law.
“Bawat okasyon mo na sinasabi mo yung kasinungalingan na yun, yun ay 1 count. Ngayon, it’s up to the judge if iko-consolidate nila ito pero multiple counts na yung ginawa nila,” Trillanes said in an interview.
He emphasized that repeated publication or dissemination of the same allegation could expose those involved to multiple legal liabilities.
Trillanes also warned the 18 former bodyguards named in the complaint that they would face consequences if they continue to participate in what he described as politically motivated attacks against him.
“Kaya itong mga 18 ex-bodyguards na ito, habang patuloy silang nagpapagamit doon sa mga political backers nila eh meron silang kahaharapin silang consequences,” he said.
In a Facebook post, the former senator confirmed the filing of the new complaint and linked it to statements made during what he described as a “rogue Blue Ribbon hearing.”
“Ngayong araw, nag-file ako muli ng kaso na cyberlibel laban sa 18 ‘ex-bodyguards,’ kasama na rin sina Cayetano at Marcoleta. Ito ay ukol sa rogue Blue Ribbon hearing na ginawa nila. Tuloy-tuloy lang ang pagsasampa ko ng kaso sa mga ito hangga't patuloy ang kanilang pagsisinungaling,” Trillanes wrote.
The latest complaint adds to the ongoing legal dispute between Trillanes and his critics over allegations that he has repeatedly denied. The former senator has maintained that the accusations are fabricated and has vowed to pursue legal remedies against those who continue to circulate them.
As of posting, the individuals named in the complaint have yet to issue statements regarding Trillanes’ latest cyberlibel filing.
